Archers from all over the UK flocked to the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool, the birthplace of the Grand National Archery Society, to celebrate its 150th anniversary - and they were not disappointed.

The guests were treated to some unexpected entertainment - a 30-minute 'concert' by the band and pipers of the Duke of Lancaster's regiment which was holding a reunion in the next suite.

As Society chairman Dave Harrison said: "If you think of all the things that could happen on the night, this would never have occurred. It was great though."

Special guests included World Archery Secretary General Tom Dielen, Parliamentary Fellow for Archery Huw Irranca-Davies MP,Archery-Antiquary Arthur Credland and the Honorary Curator of Manchester Museum's archery collection, Wendy Hodkinson.

Mr Dielen presented the Society with a special banner to mark the anniversary - and explained why FITA really changed its name to World Archery.

"When I came to the GNAS, which is now also Archery GB, they said what FITA really meant in the UK, he said. "I think you know it, but I didn't know it means Foreign Intervention in Traditional Archery.

"So, based on that, we had to change our name!"

Mr Irranca-Davies said: "One of the things I have learned about archery is that it is not about age or creed or what ability or disability you have. Everyone can compete at their own level. Everyone can enjoy."

But the night really belonged to eight people, regional unsung heroes Peter Morris, Philip Simmons, Christine Gascoigne, Steven Taylor, Duncan McKelvie, Peter Drewry and James Nichols and to Frank Mulligan, who took the national award.